The stratum granulosum, which is one of the layers of the epidermis, is mostly composed of flattened keratinocytes that are in the process of dying. While these cells are not ‘alive’ in the traditional sense, they are not completely dead either. Instead, they are undergoing a transformation as they move upward to the outermost layer of the skin.
In this layer, cells begin to lose their nuclei and organelles, and they gradually become filled with keratohyalin granules. These granules play a crucial role in the formation of keratin, a key protein that helps protect the skin. As the cells transition through the stratum granulosum, they contribute to the water barrier that prevents excessive water loss from the body.
So, while the cells in the stratum granulosum are in the process of dying and are no longer capable of performing the functions of living cells, they are part of a vital process that contributes to skin health and function.